Pacific Palisades Senior Lead Officer Michael Moore reported the following crimes through December 19. As a reminder, to report a crime in progress, call 9-1-1. To report any non-emergency crime, call (877) 275-5273. A crime that has occurred may be reported in person at the West L.A. police station, 1663 Butler Ave. (Call 310-444-0702, or some crimes may be reported online.)
BURGLARY
December 12, 6:45 to 7:15 p.m., in the 600 block of Palisades Drive. The two male suspects (5’11”, 185 lbs. and a second with no further description) smashed a glass door to enter victim’s home and took money and jewelry.
December 16, 12:45 a.m., in the 15300 block of Antioch. The suspects smashed the front door of victim’s business to enter and took cash register with money.
December 16, 1:43 a.m., in the 15300 block of Antioch, the two suspects (male, bald and NFD) smashed the front door of victim’s business to enter and took cash register with money.
BURGLARY/THEFT FROM VEHICLE
December 12 to 14, noon to noon, in the 800 block of Chautauqua. The suspect removed the catalytic converter from victim’s vehicle.
December 14 to 15, 6 p.m. to 1 p.m., in the 800 block of Chautauqua. The suspect entered victim’s vehicle and took a handicap placard.
December 18, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., in the 500 block of Los Liones. The suspect smashed a window on victim’s vehicle and took a purse with money.
December 19, 2:30 a.m., in the 800 block of Muskingum Avenue. The suspect entered victim’s vehicle and took money.
December 19, 3:30 to 5:38 p.m., in the 500 block of Los Liones. The suspect entered victim’s vehicle and took a purse and clothing.
STOLEN VEHICLE
December 18 to 19, 11:30 p.m. to 6:45 a.m., in the 1400 block of Chastain Parkway. The suspect took victim’s vehicle from the street.
December 18 to 19, 1:30 p.m. to 1 p.m., in the 15500 block of Sunset. The suspect took victim’s vehicle from a condo parking garage.
December 19, 1 to 3:20 p.m., in the 1000 block of Monument. The suspect took victim’s vehicle from the street.
THEFT
December 15, 5:50 p.m., in the 15200 block of Sunset. The male white suspect (with gray hair, 5’10” 165 lbs., 40/50 years old) entered victim’s business, took a blanket, and left without paying.
December 15 to 16, 9 p.m. to 8 a.m., in the 300 block of Entrada. The suspect took a canning machine that had been delivered to address.
December 18, 1:18 to 4 p.m., in the 16100 block of Sunset. The suspect (female) tricked victim into buying gift cards and providing the pin number.
December 19, noon, in the 500 block of Entrada. The suspect took an electric kettle and humidifier from victim’s home.
Holiday Safety Tips from Los Angeles Police Department
The following Holiday Safety Tips were compiled, in cooperation with the LAPD Crime Prevention Section, to contribute to the safety and security of people during the holiday season. The holiday season is always a special time of year. It is also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. We can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share this information with family, friends and neighbors. The Los Angeles Police Department wishes you a safe, happy and peaceful holiday season.
AT HOME:
- Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
- When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
- Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
- Leave a radio or television on so the house looks, and sounds occupied.
- Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
- When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.
- Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves.
- If you use lights on your Christmas tree, ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.
- Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it green.
- Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace.
STRANGERS AT YOUR DOOR:
- Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
- It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.
- Ask for their identification and find out how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate.
- Donate to a recognized charitable organization.
DRIVING:
- Avoid driving alone or at night.
- Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
- If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
- Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
- Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
- Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
- Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
- Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
- Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
- When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.
- Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
- Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.
AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINE (ATM)
- If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a police station, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
- Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
- Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.
SHOPPING
- Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
- Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
- Always carry your California Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
- Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
- Keep cash in your front pocket.
- Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
- Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
- Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
- Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
- Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
CHILDREN
- If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.
- Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
- Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.
- Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
- Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.
- Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security. Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.
Note: The LAPD has also instituted “Operation Identification.” They ask people to mark items with a California Driver License or Identification card Number. And for items that cannot be marked with an engraver, to photograph or videotape the items. The goal is to deter property-related crime and to assist in returning stolen property to the rightful owner.